Two Arraigned on Suspicion of Assaulting Acquaintances

Two brothers accused of assaulting and robbing a pair of acquaintances in the victims' Oceanside home were arraigned today on robbery and other charges.

Brandon Joshua Erwin, 23, and his 22-year-old sibling, Stephen, allegedly went to the residence in the 700 block of Palette Court late Monday night, according to Oceanside police.

After a man who lives in the home let them in, one of the brothers allegedly pistol-whipped him, and the victim's girlfriend was assaulted with an electric stun gun, Oceanside police Lt. Aaron Doyle said.

The suspects then allegedly stole a wallet and a laptop computer and fled.

The couple, who were treated at the scene for minor injuries, directed police to a Vista Way motel where the Erwins were known to stay, and officers found the suspects there and took them into custody, Doyle said.

A woman with the Erwins also was arrested on an unrelated felony warrant. Her name was not immediately released.

After arraignment today, Judge Marshall Hockett set bail for Stephen Erwin at $420,000 and set Brandon Erwin's bail at $200,000.

Stephen Erwin faces 22 years in prison if convicted. Brandon Erwin faces eight years behind bars if convicted, according to Deputy District Attorney Christy Bowles.

The brothers will be back in court Dec. 30 for a readiness conference and Jan. 2 for a preliminary hearing.

-- City News Service